Feast of the Synaxis of
The Holy Archangels

To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day and Afternoon Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I take this opportunity to communicate with you upon the glorious Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels, a day when we commemorate the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and the countless myriads of bodiless powers who ceaselessly praise and glorify Almighty God. In as much as angels praise the living God, St. Paul reminds us too that angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation (Heb. 1:14). As such, we human beings are the objects of continuous Divine protection, immersed in the calming waters of God’s care, in a flowing stream of grace which knows neither end nor limit. We are assured of this by the comforting words of the Psalmist: He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways (Ps. 90:11). 

Aware of the abiding presence of these our “heavenly guardians,” assigned to each of us at the Sacrament of Baptism and with us at every stage of our lives, we are equally mindful today of our earthly guardians who have lovingly guided our footsteps from childhood, a generation of parents and godparents. Today, several of them reside at Saint Michael’s Home, our senior adult home in New York which has the name of Archangel Michael. Through your love and generosity Saint Michael's has continued, in imitation of the angels, to minister to the needs of senior adults through prayer, personal care, and an effort at all levels to affirm the sacredness of human life. Thus, in support of this vital ministry of our Holy Archdiocese, all of our parishes are asked to pass a special tray on Sunday, November 10. Your gifts will be greatly treasured by the residents of St. Michael’s and their families as an expression of gratitude for their constant love and guidance. Contributions should be sent to the Archdiocese in care of Saint Michael's, where they will in turn be forwarded to the Home.

May the infinite love of God the Father be with you all the days of your lives, and may you all rest with eternal confidence and everlasting peace under the Divine protection of the stalwart wings of His Holy angels.

With paternal love in Christ, 

+DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America